Symptoms and care

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. This list is not all possible symptoms. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

• Basic FAQ on Coronavirus
• What to do after a COVID-19 test

If you think you have been exposed to someone with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, follow the steps below to monitor your health and avoid spreading the disease to others if you get sick.

• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, Washington State Dept. of Health

Note: State and local resource updates are in process to reflect new CDC quarantine guidelines.

If you are ill with COVID-like symptoms, stay home. If you are unsure of how to care for yourself or are concerned about your condition, call your health care provider for advice. If you feel you need to visit your doctor, call them first. Keep yourself separated from other people and animals in your home. Cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.

• How to care for yourself or others with COVID-19
  
  
• For parents and guardians: what to do when you or your child gets COVID-19
  
  
• 10 things you can do to manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home
  
  
• What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease
  
  
• What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
  
  
• COVID 19 screening tool and guidance for steps to take if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you may be infected with coronavirus.

On March 28, 2020, Public Health's Health Officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, issued a Quarantine Directive and Isolation Order to protect the health of our community and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Isolation and quarantine are a proven public health practice for reducing the spread of disease.

• Quarantine is for people who are not currently showing symptoms but are at increased risk for having been exposed to an infectious disease. Quarantine is for people who could become sick and spread the infection to others.
  
  
• Isolation is used for people who are currently ill and able to spread the disease and who need to stay away from others in order to avoid infecting them.

Isolation/Quarantine and Assessment/Recovery Facilities
Isolation and quarantine sites are available to provide isolation and quarantine assistance to help residents who are not able to isolate and recovery in their own home. Examples of people who may need this assistance include people who cannot safely isolate from a family member who is elderly or medically fragile, or people experiencing homelessness. Individuals can only be placed into the King County sites after a health professional with Public Health has determined that they need isolation or quarantine.

For travelers: King County isolation and quarantine facilities are not available for individuals needing to quarantine due to travel. Individuals travelling to Washington state and needing to follow state or federal quarantine requirements are responsible for arranging their own quarantine accommodations.

Need support to isolate or quarantine? King County is here to help.
Download a flyer to learn more about who qualifies and what is offered.

• Stay Safe at Home — Tips for older adults
  • How to care for yourself and others if you get sick
    
  • Prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the household
    
  • Staying connected while at home
    
  • Staying active and healthy while at home
    
  • Living in a multigenerational household
    
  • More resources
    
  • Consult with your doctor on the phone if you are sick
    
    
• Information on caring for someone at home, CDC